This is the fourth time I try to write this post.

Last week my cousin passed away from cancer. He was in his late 30s and was a young man who cared deeply about his family. His cancer diagnosis came as a complete surprise to him and our family. A doctor appointment turned into 10 months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant late in 2025. After the bone marrow transplant he had improved significantly. As a family we were incredibly happy and hopeful. Hoping for a different outcome.

My cousin and I were not very close as adults. We grew up together as children. I grew up very close with all my cousins. We would all hangout at my grandmas house during our childhood. Although we did not communicate regularly as adults, we had started texting. More than anything just to let him know, I was thinking of him.

On January 1st, we exchanged text messages for the last time.
I texted: “Feliz Año Nuevo, primo!”
He replied: “Amen! Feliz año nuevo, prima.”

I am reminded more often these days that life is just too short and too unpredictable. Every moment matters and time we have on earth is just too precious. I am also reminded that we do not know what others are going through. Be kind.

Descansa en paz, primo.